Rainbow righted herself. “And what makes you think he won’t kill you first?”

Sweetie Belle staggered. “Ki-kill us?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m out,” Rumble stated from above.

Spike shot him a look. “Well, I’m not.” He turned back to Rainbow. “And I’m willing to take that risk.”

“But Spike-”

“-and look who’s talking! The one who kicked a dragon in the face is suddenly so worried!? What happened to-”

Rainbow snapped. “I don’t want to lose another friend!” she screamed, tears boiling in her eyes.

At that moment, the black and brittle remnants that hung above them began to crackle. Spike looked up and saw the tree destabilize, as the single branch that hung above him, fell.

Spike’s eyes snapped open. His breathing was rapid, but it didn’t take long for him to calm down once he realized where he was.

He shifted the ring on his right claw, adorned with a blue gemstone. Spike stretched his back and slowly eased himself out of his basket. Across from him, he could see Comet’s bed, empty. Through the window, the sun was just inching over the horizon.

It was the beginning of a new day in this world.

He quickly proceeded down the stairs, and walked down to the main library floor. He found the building curiously quiet, and vacant. Something was not right.

He detected a flutter of movement out of the corner of his eye. At one of the reading alcoves, consisting of a cushioned bench in front of a large window. A form shifted, wrapped tightly in a brown blanket. It was pony-sized, but covered up so well that Spike could not identify it.

He walked toward the form, which suddenly rolled over. Rarity’s face peeked through the cover.

Spike found himself flying towards his lover, who quickly grabbed him tightly in both hooves. He hesitated, confused as to this turn of events.

Her sobbing echoed in his ear. He returned the hug.

The door creeped open behind him.

“Spike, welcome to the land of the living,” said Comet, as he trotted in.

Rarity released her boyfriend, and Spike saw his guardian, followed by Shining Armor and his wife, Cadance. All three of them were slightly dishevelled.

The group of five sat at the kitchen table. Cadance poured the sugar dish into her cup, and stirred it with a spoon.

Comet’s head lay on the table, he stared at the coffee cup.

Shining Armor shuffled nervously, and was the one to break the silence. “So, Comet, what do you think it was.”

The stallion sat up straight, brought the cup to his lips and started chugging. A few seconds later, it was down, and he exhaled dramatically. “Well!” he said, raising his hoof. “Let’s look at the facts. They said the creature was bright, and appeared to be on fire.”

“Yeah,” Cadance responded.

“Half the building was burnt to a crisp, so that’s not too surprising. Now, they said it moved like a blur. But thanks to the brightness of the flame, no one could get a good look.”

“…Oh… Kay?”

“Now, even if they could barely see it, most ponies would still be able to identify a creature, by name, if they saw it, right?”

“Sure.”

“Unless…”

Cadance thought for a second. “They never heard of it.”

“Ding ding. Which narrows it down. Now I, personally, can only think of one creature obscure enough, that fits that incredibly general description. And it’s a… three, two, one-”

“Qilin,” Shining and Comet announced simultaneously.

“Oh…” Cadance said. “Dammit, how could I have forgotten about that?”

“Lot on your mind?”

“I’m sorry,” Rarity interjected. “But what is a… Qilin?”

“Cadance?”

The princess explained with a sigh, “A Qilin is a tall reptilian pony with a mastery over fire. Their population is very small, they’re very aggressive, and a bit xenophobic, though there are exceptions.”

The young pegasus was covered in what appeared to be some type of paint. She blended in with the forest so easily nopony noticed.

“What are you doing here!?” screamed Applejack.

“Well, I was going to follow you to find the dragon without you noticing.”

“Qilin,” Comet said.

“Well, I don’t care,” Applejack said, incensed. “Go home. Both of you. This is too dangerous for you two.”

“You know,” the shrink explained. “They’ll probably follow us anyway. Might be better to just let them come, that way we can keep track of them.”

Applejack sighed, “Fine.”

“Great!” Scootaloo screamed. “Where’re we going!?”

“No idea!” Comet said with a smile.

“Oh, just follow me!” Pinkie said, trotting away.

“Follow her.”

As everypony left, Rainbow Dash slowly came to. She looked down the path, and saw her friends leaving. “Hey, wait for me!” She screamed. Flying off.

The journey was a long one for the large group. The sun was already halfway up the sky, and was slowly creeping ever higher to its peak.

Pinkie Pie took the lead followed closely by Princess Cadance, and Applejack. Rainbow Dash and Cerebral Comet were right behind them. Shining Armor took up the rear, ensuring the group’s safety. And directly in front of him, were Spike, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Rarity. Together, talking.

“You’re seriously worried?” Rarity asked.

“Well, I’m not worried,” Scootaloo explained. “It’s just… we never hang out anymore.”

“Just because Sweetie Belle found love, does not mean she’s no longer your friend.”

“Well, we know that,” Apple Bloom explained, a bit insulted by the suggestion.

“Well, eventually, I’m sure you’ll find things will go back to the way they always were.”

Scootaloo turned to Spike. “What’s it like anyway?”

“What?”

“You know… it…”

Spike’s face turned beet red.

“…love…”

“OH! Um… it’s hard to explain…”

Rarity gave him a soft smile.

“So, Rarity,” said Cerebral Comet as he slowed his pace to join them. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“Yes?” She replied, quite curious.

“I assume you’ll need a place to stay, while your house is being rebuilt.”